Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant City Solicitor works in the City of Philadelphia Law Department’s Child Welfare Unit (CWU), which represents the Department of Human Services in matters involving investigations of child abuse and neglect and services for children and families. The role handles a substantial caseload and, following a one-month training interval, performs courtroom duties. Attorneys are expected to manage cases independently with appropriate training and supervision. This position offers the opportunity to develop courtroom skills while helping protect vulnerable residents.

Requirements

• Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or current eligibility for admission by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania under Pa.B.A.R. 204.
• Strong communication, analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes.
• Ability to analyze substantial information, identify relevant facts, determine applicable laws and regulations, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to present and explain cases clearly, answer questions, present to groups and high-level officials, and use diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Commitment to diversity and respect for individual differences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze legal issues in complex fact patterns.
• Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload and work independently.
• Successful candidate must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of relevant experience in a legal setting is preferred.
• Good academic credentials.

Responsibilities

• Litigate dependency cases in Family Court bench trials.
• Litigate permanency hearings for children adjudicated dependent in Family Court.
• Litigate termination of parental rights and adoption cases in Family Court.
• Represent the Department of Human Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in expungement matters.
• Prepare Department of Human Services files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting them.
• Litigate motions to quash subpoenas for Department of Human Services records.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues.
• Manage a relatively high-volume caseload independently.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for a discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree